CNI News
15 November 2023
After the Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) have started battles to capture Loikaw City, a lot of residents are trapped, a Loikaw resident told CNI News.
The battles that was launched since 11th November have been severe up to now and there are airstrikes and heavy weapon fires, he added.
" The battles have been breaking out for two or three days day and night and both heavy weapons and small firearms are being used. We, residents, are trapped. Because on the way that we will run away are battles, we have to run towards the south or north or east or west so as to be safe" he said.
While seeing the entrance to Loikaw City
The current situation was that revolutionary forces all over the country were waging battles to build a federal democratic union and the State Administration Council's mechanism in Loikaw must be demolished in order to overthrow the dictatorship in Karenni State and to obtain self-determination, said Khun Bi Htoo, chairman of the KNDF on 13th November 2023.
Because the KNDF was more afraid that the dictatorship would take root although there could be damages in consequences of the battles that were intended to capture the city, the KNDF made a decision to wage the operation. So, the people were requested to move to safety temporarily, said Khun Bi Htoo.
Because there is no more of the flow of goods, the amount of foodstuff has declined. Moreover, there were civilian deaths as well, said a Loikaw resident.
While seeing two comrades of the KNDF
" we haven't heard the news about the casualty exactly. Rumor has it there might be casualty. There was an airstrike last night. A plane has been already in flight over the town since 6:00 a.m. this morning and now it's bombing as well." he said to CNI News.
20 people were killed by heavy weapons in Pekon, Mobye and Loikaw Towns from 11th November when the operation was launched to 13th November.
Among those killed were four women, 13 men and the remaining three were still unknown, the Karenni Human Rights Organization stated on 14th November 2023.
Revolutionary forces have informed the people not to use the Loikaw-Pekon Road, the Loikaw-Sesai Road and the Loikaw-Demoso Road for the time being and the flight trips have been suspended due to the battles reportedly.
